My Mid-Year Book Wrap-Up
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Somehow, we are half-way through 2025 already, so it’s time for a mid-year book wrap-up! Books, as usual, have been a real comfort to me over the last six months, particularly whilst being unwell and my favourites have been a real mix of genres! I think there is something for everyone on my list below. This quote from Emily Henry’s ‘Book Lovers’ describes how I feel about reading perfectly…
“That’s what made me fall in love with reading: the instant floating sensation, the dissolution of real-world problems, every worry suddenly safely on the other side of some metaphysical surface.”
My 2025 Book Statistics so far (up to The Four Winds): 77 books · 52 physical books · 25 audiobooks · 24 non-fiction books (including 5 memoirs) · 53 fiction books
I rated 18 ☆☆☆☆☆, 23 ☆☆☆☆, 21 ☆☆☆, 13 ☆☆ and 2 ☆
My ☆☆☆☆☆ Fiction Books
1. The Women by Kristin Hannah
In 1965, 20-year-old nursing student Frankie McGrath hears the words ‘women can be heroes too.’ She joins the Army Nurses Corps and follows her brother’s path. What follows is a story spanning years of Frankie’s life shining a light on the extraordinary role women played in the Vietnam War, despite the denial that they were even there; how they were treated when they returned home; and the PTSD and trauma they faced, whilst being told to ‘just forget’.
”The women had a story to tell, even if the world wasn’t quite yet ready to hear it, and their story began with three simple words. - We were there.”
This is one of my new favourite books and I will be raving about this for a long time!
2. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
I was intrigued by what people say about ‘A Little Life’: that it is one of the best books they’ve ever read but that they wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. Now I understand what they meant. It took about 80 pages for me to get into this, but once I did…I have no words. I can’t imagine ever recommending it to anyone.
This is an emotionally harrowing novel following decades of Jude’s life after a childhood filled with incomprehensible trauma and abuse. The more you read, the more devastating the book gets. Trigger warning for very graphic and difficult content. Do not read this if you are looking for a light-hearted, happy read. Or even if you’re looking for any optimism at all. The only thing that is beautiful in this is the depth of William and Jude’s friendship, and the love Harold, Julia, Andy etc have for Jude, but even then…I still haven’t recovered from reading this.
3. Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
When Camilla is informed by the police that there is a hostage situation developing in London and Luke, her husband, is involved, she’s worried for his safety. And then she finds out that Luke is the gunman.
This was a brilliant thriller. I loved reading it. The plot, the characters, the writing. I loved the way it was written and how the story unfolds. I loved the way it was wrapped up. I loved that it all felt realistic and gripping. My favourite book from Gillian McAllister so far.
4. Lover Birds by Leon Egan
Eloise Byrne has ADHD and is trying to focus as she starts her A-Levels, and then posh, Londoner Isabel moves to the school. They immediately become rivals…until they start to fall for each other.
I LOVED this neurodivergent, queer YA set in Liverpool which I only found out is a modern day retelling of Pride and Prejudice by reading the reviews (you don’t need to know the story of P&P at all) - Leon Egan is majorly talented. Everything about this was perfect. The hate to lovers trope was SO good, the ADHD representation was highly relatable and Eloise’s discovery of her sexuality is explored really well. Highly recommend for any teenager or young adult looking fro ADHD or queer representation!
5. I See You by Clare Mackintosh
Zoe Walker’s photo is published in the classifieds section of a London newspaper. As was a woman’s who has now been murdered. Zoe becomes increasingly concerned for her safety, trying to piece together the puzzle of who these women are and why their photos are being shared with a link to a password-protected website.
This is a masterfully crafted thriller that hooked me from the first page. Clare Mackintosh takes a daily commute on the London tube and turns it into something sinister and eerie. Her writing is suspenseful, fast-paced and easy to read. This is a clever, chilling thriller with a perfectly executed plot.
6. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
This is a story about a bank robbery and a hostage situation. Except it’s not. It’s a story about people, both utterly relatable and completely absurd at the same time.
This book is a true gem - quirky and heartwarming, packed with sharp wit and hilarious dialogue. This is a book that will make you laugh out loud and force you to reflect on life. I love Fredrik Backman’s writing style - his ability to find depth in even the most mundane of things is an extraordinary talent.
7. The List of Suspicious Things by Jennie Godfrey
Set in Yorkshire in the late 1970’s, 12-year-old Miv and her best friend Sharon are surrounded by the news of the brutal murders rippling shock and fear throughout their neighbourhood. Armed with curiosity and determination, they set to work to uncover the identity of the Yorkshire Ripper.
What a special book and an exceptional read from start to finish! I thought this was going to be a mystery but it is so much more than that. It’s a charming tale of friendship, love, grief, loss and the desire to hold on to the naivety and curiosity of childhood that made me both laugh and cry. Miv’s increasing awareness of the reality and complexity of the world is such a special journey to be part of. I can’t remember the last time I read a novel like this, where every character is SO special. Jennie Godfrey has poured her heart and soul into every single one of them to create incredibly vibrant, complex and emotionally resonant characters. This is an astonishing debut and I can’t imagine it will be the last we hear from Jennie Godfrey!
8. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
An unforgettable, beautifully crafted novel about two sisters in France during WWII. This is one of those books that is going to stay with me for a long time. It moved me so deeply; the final chapters had me in tears and gave me chills all through my body. I adore Kristin Hannah’s writing. She brought Vianne and Isabelle’s stories to life in such an extraordinarily emotive and vivid way. Once again, she brings to light the roles that women have played during wars and how their bravery and sacrifice has often gone unnoticed despite the lives saved becuase of their actions.
”Women get on with it. For us it was a shadow war. There were no parades for us when it was over, no medals or mentions in history books. We did what we had to during the war, and when it was over, we picked up the pieces and started our lives over.”
9. The Four Winds by Kristin Hannah
Set in 1934 Texas, during the severe drought and dust storms that devastated the Great Plains, leaving millions out of work, starving and thirsty, and tearing families apart, is another absolutely breathtaking novel by Kristin Hannah. Following Elsa Martinelli and her family as they fight to survive and search for a better life in California, this is a phenomenal story of love, hardship, poverty, family and courage.
I adore Kristin Hannah’s writing and I learn so much about periods of history that I had no knowledge of. I don’t even realise how invested I am in the character’s lives or how emotionally connected I am to the novel until it’s too late! I know that at this point I will devour anything Kristin Hannah writes. I don’t think she is capable of writing anything less than 5 stars!
”A man’s got to fight our here to make a living, they’d say to each other. A man. It was always about the men. They seemed to think it meant nothing to cook and clean and bear children and tend gardens. But we women of the Great Plains worked from sunup to sundown, too, toiled on wheat farms until we were as dry and baked as the land we loved. Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I swear I can still taste the dust…”
10. The Institute by Stephen King
This is my first Stephen King novel and I loved it so much more than I thought I would! A secret government organisation where kids with special powers are kidnapped and subjected to inhumane experiments, their powers harnessed for secret missions…this was not the sort of thing I usually read but I became so attached to Luke, Avery and the rest of the children. Incredible storytelling, a gripping plot and brilliant characterisation.
My ☆☆☆☆☆ Non-Fiction Books
1. The Twins of Auschwitz by Eva Mozes Kor
Eva Mozes Kor was 10 years old when she and her twin sister Miriam arrived at Auschwitz and were immediately taken to Dr Josef Mengele (later called ‘the angel of death’). Eva and Miriam were subject to Mengele’s abhorrent experiments. Only a child, she showed such bravery and determination, even in the face of death. ‘The Twins of Auschwitz’ tells Eva’s story, from life with her family in Romania, to finding herself in Hell and losing everyone in her family apart from Miriam, to being amongst the few Mengele twins to survive the Holocaust.
Compared to some of the other memoirs of Holocaust survivors that I’ve read, I feel that this one is particularly suitable for young people. It is written in a way that is easy to understand, is reasonably quick to read and is highly factual.
2. The ADHD Focus Friend: A Planning + Productivity Workbook by Grace Koelma
Grace breaks down what it’s like to live with ADHD and shares some brilliant strategies and templates for navigating day-to-day life when you have a brain that struggles with organisation, procrastination, a constant stream of unfinished ideas and getting things done. This is a really useful guide that will benefit anyone with ADHD!
The book itself is so beautifully put together with beautiful designs. How could it not be 5 stars with the stickers at the end of the book?
3. AuDHD: Blooming Differently by Leanne Maskell
‘AuDHD: Blooming Differently’ blends Leanne’s life experiences, scientific research and practical advice for navigating life with both autism and ADHD in such a validating and empowering way. AuDHD creates a unique combination of challenges and strengths, and Leanne takes us on a journey to understanding what this means. Leanne has a wonderful talent of making people feel truly seen and understood. I have learned so much from her and I will always be grateful to her for the wisdom she shares. She makes this world a better place.
4. Outrage: Why The Fight for LGBTQ+ Equality is Not Yet Won And What We Can Do About It by Ellen Jones
Through combining research and personal stories, Ellen highlights the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ people. Until 2015 the UK was ranked top in Europe for its support of LGBTQ+ people but has since plummeted to 17th place on the rainbow map/index by ILGA. Devastatingly, in just the last 5 years alone, hate crimes on the basis of sexuality have increased by 112% and by 186% for trans people.
Thank you Ellen for writing such an important and, sadly, still necessary book. ‘Outrage’ will undoubtedly be one of the most important reads of 2025. Also, Ellen’s narration of the audiobook was brilliant.
5. Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts: A CBT Based Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive, or Disturbing Thoughts by Sally M. Winston & Martin N. Seif
I have no doubt that this book will change and save people’s lives. This is the best self-help book I have ever read and everybody who struggles with intrusive thoughts or OCD should read this. This is a life-changing, practical, clear guide for people struggling with frightening, obsessive or disturbing thoughts. I am deeply grateful to the authors for writing this and putting this book into the world. It changed my life.
6. Stop Surviving Start Fighting by Jazz Thornton
Every 40 seconds, someone somewhere in the world dies by suicide. This is Jazz’s story: how she went from suicidal to hopeful, how she fought for her life and what she learned along the way, and how she was able to turn her life around. Jazz shows us that hope is real and change is possible. The insights that she shares provides inspiration and hope to anyone struggling, and helps to tackle the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide. This is a really important book and one I found very comforting to listen to as an audiobook.
”It’s not about battling your past, but fighting for your future…Hope is real and change is possible.”
7. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity by Julia Cameron
This was gifted to me (by Leanne Maskell!) and I am so grateful it was. This is a 12-week programme for creative recovery and it is truly life-changing. The effects of utilising the tools of morning pages and artists’ dates are transformative. I will be holding on to these tools and all I have learned from the weekly tasks, and returning to them as in when needed throughout my life. If anyone is contemplating whether to give ‘The Artist’s Way’ a go, take this as your sign to. Your creative self will thank you for it!
8. How to Talk to Yourself: From Self-Doubt to Self-Confidence by Ro Mitchell
I have read a lot of self-help books but few have connected with me as deeply as this book. Ro’s writing is beautiful, and she shares aspects of her journey so honesty and vulnerably. This book is a beacon of hope for anybody who is battling their brain or struggling with life. I loved everything about it and I will be recommending it to others.
I thought I would also share a list of my 4-star reads, because some of them deserve a mention too!
My ☆☆☆☆ Fiction Books
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
Almond by Sohn Won-Pyung
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
The Interview by C.M. Ewan
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Murder After the Night Before by Katy Brent
The New Neighbours by Claire Douglas
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
The Daughter by T.M. Logan
It Should Have Been You by Andrea Mara
A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
The Railway Children by E. Nesbit
The Therapist by B.A. Paris
Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
My ☆☆☆☆ Non-Fiction Books
The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke
Is It My ADHD?: Navigating life as a neurodivergent adult by Grace Timothy
Unmasking for Life: The Autistic Person’s Guide to Connecting, Loving, and Living Authentically by Devon Price
The OCD Recovery Journal: Creative Activities to Keep Yourself Well by Cara Lisette
Rewire Your OCD Brain: Powerful Neuroscience-Based Skills to Break Free From Obsessive Thoughts and Fears by Catherine M. Pittman & William H. Youngs
The Sisters of Auschwitz by Roxane van Iperen
I have a lot of books on my bookshelf waiting to be read at the moment, so I’m hoping to work my way through some of those in the next six months!
Have you read any of the books above and what did you think? What have been your favourite books so far this year?
I have (somehow) been shortlisted for ITV’s Book bCreator of the Year which is an absolute honour. If you have a spare moment to vote for me, I’d be so grateful! You can vote here (select ‘creator shortlist’, then scroll to the Book bCreator section to find me!).
GIRL UNMASKED (The Sunday Times Bestseller) is available to order from Amazon and all major bookstores as a hardback, paperback, audiobook and ebook.
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